Whenever you hear the word Lexus, you are immediately reminded of a gorgeous vehicle with commodious interiors and impeccable reliability. Toyota’s luxury vehicle marquee, a.k.a. Lexus, has become synonymous with luxury and trust.
Well, such amazing features come at a price too! Still, some of the best used Lexus models can be shown the door to your garage at quite a reasonable price and for most of us who have to keep our wallets in check, this is the way to go.
Lexus deals in certified pre-owned cars and all such vehicles have to go through a 161-point inspection to ensure performance, safety, and reliability.
Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle can be a tough task and requires a lot of research and effort to get the right one. Half the work is done if you are sure about the model that fits your requirements. I have also shared a few tips for you to check out before you buy a used Lexus car.
So if you have decided to buy a used Lexus car, here are some of our suggestions to further narrow down your search.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Best Used Lexus Cars
1. Lexus ES
Image Credit: Lexus
ES is one of the flagship models of the Lexus marquee. Those who have had the chance of taking it for a spin have dubbed it as the very embodiment of comfortable ride, buttery-smooth handling, and true luxury. Lexus ES is one the best used cars that you can buy for a price well under $30,000.
Apart from the essentials, the 2009-12 models had standard leather seats, sun-roof, power front seats, and climate control too. It’s not far behind on engine power too and boasts of a V-6 engine to thrust you around like a boss.
Moreover, ES has one of the highest-rated safety features among the vehicles in its segment. All in all, you can never go wrong by choosing the Lexus ES as your next car.
2. Lexus RX 350
Image Credit: Lexus
Looking for a used Lexus SUV? Your search ends here! A fantastic family car with a strong overall performance, you can rest assured that even if you buy a used Lexus RX 350, you’ll get only the best.
Although this mid-sized SUV doesn’t feature three-row seating, it is remarkably spacious and has garnered praise for its luxurious interiors. Its mileage of 18 mpg in city conditions and 24 mpg on the highway make it an utterly affordable car to drive as compared to its competitors.
One of the most popular models to come out of the Lexus factory, the RX 350 underwent a complete overhaul for its 2010 version, and the already fantastic performer was made even better. Standard features include wood trim, leather interiors (including steering and gear knob), and a nine-speaker sound system.
3. Lexus RX Hybrid
Image Credit: Lexus
How do you make the best even better? Ask Lexus! The ever-popular SUV, Lexus RX 350 was all a family could ask for. It was spacious, luxurious, good-looking, and had an amazing mileage besides the trademark reliability and safety of a Lexus.
Lexus offered a Hybrid variant for the RX SUV in 2010 and the result was a mind-blowing SUV that was environment-friendly too! That’s not just it; the fuel-economy was upped too. The RX Hybrid boasts of a mileage of 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
It has an all-wheel driven variant too if you like some off-road adventures. You really can’t go wrong with a Lexus!
Also Read: 7 Essential Factors to Consider Before Buying a Used BMW
4. Lexus IS
Image Credit: Lexus
Another gem of a car to consider if you want good-old luxury mixed with high-end performance is the Lexus IS.
The IS 350 has a more powerful V6 as compared to the IS 250 and should be brought into the equation while making a choice.
The second-generation Lexus IS 350 is one of the best used Lexus cars and you might land up on a lucrative deal for model versions from 2011 to 2013 years. Prices range from $25,900 to $40,900.
Bear in mind, that although acceleration is quick on this entry-level luxury sedan, it is far from a true sports sedan. Its sibling, the Lexus IS C would be an excellent choice if you are looking for a used Lexus convertible, as it is much cheaper than the Lexus SC 430.
5. Lexus CT Hybrid
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With a price ranging from $21,000 to $32,000, this compact hybrid car should fit the bill perfectly in case you desire a used Lexus hatchback.
The vision that Lexus had in mind before its production started was that of a fuel-efficient hybrid car that packs in a sporty handling, and of course, is luxurious.
On road, Lexus CT Hybrid is not far from its vision. Its average fuel efficiency of 40 mpg is one of the best in class and with upscale and roomy interiors, it is definitely luxurious.
The sporty drive can be debated upon, as it has got mixed reactions, but it is spirited nonetheless. Our verdict – good enough for a bargain!
6. Lexus GS
Image Credit: Lexus
Definitely, the Lexus with the best handling capabilities there ever has been (well, except for the LF-A)!
This mid-size luxury sedan offers a polished ride-quality, impeccable safety, and advanced entertainment options besides the urbane interiors and sleek looks.
The GS series got a major overhaul in 2013 and hence models upward of the year 2013 are far better than their predecessors. Lexus GS is available in both RWD and AWD options and packs a powerful V6 engine generating 304HP of power.
If your pocket allows you to shell out a few more bucks, then you can get the keys for a used Lexus GS 2013-14 for a price tag ranging between $35,000 and $45,000.
7. Lexus GS Hybrid
Image Credit: Motortrend
This car is one of the quickest Lexus vehicles ever built, and that’s a bold statement.
The Lexus GS Hybrid has some serious performance credentials to its name and gives fierce competition to its rivals in all the parameters.
It has a powerful and impressive V-8 engine, is highly fuel-efficient, and has upscale interiors.
You can easily get a lucrative deal for a 2011 model Lexus GS Hybrid for around $15,000, making it quite affordable too.
If there is scope of going north on the budget, check out the 2013 version Lexus GS 450h too. It has even better fuel characteristics, is more spacious than the 2011 one, and drives like a dream! The price range is quite steep, ranging between $45,000 and $72,000.
Also Read: 21 Top Luxury Hybrid Cars
8. Lexus LS 430
Image Credit: Clublexus
The “LS” might as well stand for “Luxury Sedan”, as this Lexus can be the very definition of what a luxury sedan should be like.
Fully loaded with features like leather seats, neat wood-paneling, seat cooling, rear seat massage, sonar guide for car reversing, and what not, it is a whip on the used car market.
Besides the chic looks and the elegant interiors, it has 290 HP of V-8 power at its heart that lets it dash from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
The ample interiors are one of the quietest in the market and let you experience the world of luxury in absolute serenity. You can get a 2008 version of this; one of the best used Lexus for just around $15,000 only.
9. Lexus IS F
Image Credit: Motortrend
Before Lexus introduced the LFA supercar, the IS F was the fastest produced car in its arsenal of offerings since its debut in 2007.
Lexus IS F shares a similar platform to its IS siblings, the IS 350 and 250 but is substantially powerful at 416 HP as compared to their 306 HP.
It is aerodynamically enhanced too and has race-track tuned suspension that raises its level much higher in terms of driveability.
The 2009-10 models have a taut ride, which was significantly improved upon in the 2011-12 models. This high-performing luxury sedan is a good buy and a 2008 model could cost you around $25,000, while a 2012+ model can be around $39,000.
10. Lexus LX 570
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This eight-seater luxury car is the ultimate choice for a used Lexus SUV. It is based upon the versatile Toyota Land Cruiser platform, although the pricing is much steeper on the Lexus, obviously.
It fares well for a luxurious family vehicle, given its comfortable and generous third-row seating. But it is surprisingly good in the off-track adventures too! Most owners don’t use it for their off-road musings, but it can’t be denied that its makers didn’t put their thought into its off-road capabilities.
Technologies like automatic off-road crawl control mode and an assortment of other such tools are evidence.
The 2008 Lexus LX 570 came in place of the 470 with a new 383 HP heart under its hood. It can be had for a tag of around $30,000.
Also Read: 12 Best All Wheel Drive Sedans
11. Lexus GX
Image Credit: Cars
This mid-size luxury SUV can also be considered if you have set your mind on buying a used Lexus SUV.
First generation of the GX series was introduced in 2002, with the GX 470 model. It was replaced by the GX 460 in 2009 with a major change in terms of engine power.
The 263 HP V8 engine of the GX 470 was upgraded to 301 HP V8 in the 460. It is based heavily on the Land Cruiser Prado but has significantly enhanced luxury features that make it upmarket.
If you are considering an SUV with off-road capabilities too, used GX 460 would be better suited than used Lexus RX 350.
Tips to Buy the Best Used Lexus Cars Under Your Budget
Follow these tips to buy the best used Lexus car for your dollar. Moreover, these tips will help you inspect the car fully and then negotiate on solid grounds to crack a decent deal.
1. Ask for Car’s Service History
Lexus cars fall under the premium category, so you should always ask the owner for the service history. In the records, you will find the real miles clocked by the vehicle while getting additional information about its condition.
Don’t go for a vehicle that doesn’t have a service record.
2. Run a Full Diagnostic
These cars have highly advanced electronics fitted under the hood. Go to your nearby Lexus dealership and get a full diagnostic run on the vehicle.
The diagnostic report will tell you about the vehicle’s electronics condition. Moreover, it tells everything about the engine’s condition, so you can avoid buying a faulty car.
3. Don’t Go for Air Suspension
Air suspension can enhance comfort and reward you with a smooth ride. But the suspension requires a lot of maintenance, especially in used Lexus cars.
Get in touch with a reliable car mechanic to know about the vehicle’s suspension condition. Only buy the car if the suspension is in good shape. Else go for used Lexus cars with a regular suspension.
4. Inspect the Central Command System
The central command system is the internal control of a Lexus car. First, check if all buttons inside the car work fine, such as the window controls and the control for headlight and wiper.
It may be okay if some buttons like the one to turn on/off the cabin light don’t work. You can use these things to negotiate the price.
5. Test the Vehicle
Take the vehicle out on the roads and test it. Keep an eye on the gear shifts if it’s a manual car. Furthermore, look at the acceleration and ensure the vehicle doesn’t lose power at high speeds.
6. Reckon the Additional Cost
Every used car requires some additional costs, and Lexus cars are no exception. Ask a mechanic to get an approximate estimation of the extra costs you have to bear for the vehicle.
And try to get these costs reduced from the asking price to get a good deal.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Most Reliable used Lexus Car?
A1: One of the most reliable Lexus models is Lexus GS Hybrid. The sedan comes equipped with a V8 engine and offers good mileage. Moreover, it’s spacious, and you can get it for a fair price in the used car market.
Q2: Is it a good idea to buy a used Lexus Car?
A2: Lexus cars are known for their reliability and comfortable drive. So you can go for a used car without thinking twice. Check out this list of best used Lexus cars and buy one on a budget.
Q3: Are old Lexus Cars Expensive to Maintain?
A3: It depends on the vehicle and model you are buying. If you buy a car after checking its full history, be rest assured it won’t cost you much. Check out the “Tips to Buy the Best Used Lexus Car Under Your Budget“ section in this post and make an informed choice.
Q4: Should I buy a used Lexus Car over 200k Miles?
A4: No! Never buy a used Lexus over 100K miles.
Final Thoughts
I hope after going through this article about the best used Lexus cars, you can decide which Lexus model to buy. Let me know in the comments below which one of these on this list you would choose to put in your garage.